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drunk elephant b hydra

A year ago, I would’ve looked at the price tag of a Drunk Elephant product & said “no way.” In my mind, no product was worth that amount of money – ever.

Then, this February, I caved – I asked Sephora for a sample of the Babyfacial. It was love at first application; I held out & saved some of my money & ended up buying the full size a month or so later. Yes – it really is that good.

Same goes for the Framboos serum, although I already had a pretty stronge knowlege of what Drunk Elephant’s products are like/how well they work before I decided to make that investment (glad I did).

Okay, so I love two of the products, but the fact remains that Drunk Elephant is not a cheap brand.

First of all, let me just say that I don’t 100% believe in luxury beauty. I think that some products – take a Tom Ford body oil or a Dior liquid lipstick – just aren’t worth it. Packaging? Sure. Aesthetic? Absolutely. Effectiveness? I’ll go with “ehh.” Buying high-end skin care or makeup is fun & satisfying, & it makes you feel a little more pampered if you carry a Dior lip balm rather than a Carmex – but a higher price doesn’t always mean that the product is better. We have thousands of examples of this; the first example that comes to mind (if we’re truly talking affordable) is The Ordinary; almost all the products are under $10; all are under $15 (excluding shipping). So – yes, you absolutely can have a cheap & effective skin care routine. If you know your skin type & do your research, you shouldn’t have that big of a problem, no matter what price point you’re considering.

Now that I’ve lightly bashed some beauty brands that I really actually do like (Diorshow Mascara is incredible & unable to be duped, in my humble opinion) let me quickly explain why I Drunk Elephant is truly worth the amount they charge for their products.

Tiffany Masterson is the founder of Drunk Elephant. She claims that the idea of Drunk Elephant came to her as she began fiddling with her own formulas, trying to make a cleanser that would work on her unpredictable skin (sometimes oily, sometimes combo, even some rosacea). The result: Drunk Elephant, the brand we know & love today.

So – why are Drunk Elephant products worth their weight in gold?

None of the products contain what DE calls the “Suspicious 6″which the founder believes were the root cause of her skin issues. According to DE, the Suspicious 6 (Essential Oils, Drying Alcohols, Silicones, Chemical Screens, Fragrance/Dyes, & SLS.

Drunk Elephant’s philosophay is that eliminating these ingredients from your skin care routine will result in calmer, clearer, smoother skin.

All of the products are suitable for all skin types (even sensitive). This is because they’re (again) fragrance-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free – free of the Suspicious 6

Drunk Elephant focuses on natural vs. clinical – they try to keep everything as organically sourced as possible. Everything is manufactured in the United States, all products contain high concentrations of various extracts – but safe pH levels, so nothing bad will happen no matter your skin type.

I could go on with a few more reasons, but I think that this is a good introduction to Drunk Elephant as a brand, why it’s expensive, & whether it’s worth it.

Long story short – yes, I do think it’s worth it. I understand why it’s expensive, too – the packaging is very sturdy, yet eye-catching; pretty neon or pastel-colored caps contrast the plain white background of each product, feauring a delicate doodle of an elephant. Needless to say, these products won’t break while travelling. & yes – manufacturing in the U.S. is more expensive. Using organically-sourced products is more expensive. Plus – every single DE product that I’ve tried so far has been worth its money – no question.

The real question: sure, it’s worth the money, but how to afford it? Especially if you’re a college student – or just on a tight budget in general.

Well, let me first assure you that a little DE goes a long way. No need to worry about running out within two weeks – these babies last forever, thanks to their high concentrations. Just one pump or several drops is all you need for the true DE effects – & yes, sometimes they’re overnight.

Still worried about the budget? Let’s talk about The Littles™, the mini-size Drunk Elephant products – some of which come in bundles, some of which stand alone. These tiny vials will still last you a good while (obviously not as long as the full-size, but still – long enough for you to decide whether or not you’re a fan) & they cost a lot less.

I can’t drop $90 on a serum just like that – I know a lot of other young peopl can’t, either. This is why I love the concept of The Littles; you’re given enough product to actually last you long enough to see whether or not there’s a clear difference in your skin; you’re not charged heinous amounts that’ll make your bank account cry. It’s a good way to sample the brand & see which things are worth it to you.

Quick story-time before I get into The Littles – I’ve been a big fan of Drunk Elephant since early this year (sometime in February). I’ve saved my pennies for some of the products & I’m glad I did – I don’t hate any of the DE things I’ve tried; I really love some of the DE things I’ve tried. That’s why I was so overwhelmed, humbled, & happy to get an email for Drunk Elephant, saying they’d like to send a few things my way.

When my package arrived, I cried a little (okay, no sobbing session…but I wasn’t 100% dry-eyed either; it was a big honor alright?!!!) & then actually opened the bag.

There they were – a bunch of The Littles. Some of them I’ve tried, some I haven’t – but I have some first impressions of the new DE things I tried, as well as some opinions on the DE products I’ve tried myself before.

Remember – everyone’s skin type is different, but this brand is specifically meant to be kind to all skin types. I tried to keep this in mind, but you don’t have to worry – my skin’s quite sensitive & will react to a product quite quickly if it doesn’t like said product. I can almost always tell within a day or two (sometimes less) whether the product is good or bad. Then, I have to decide between good & amazing. None of these products are bad – that’s for sure. Some I like more than others; some of you will probably disagree with me on some things. I’d love to hear what DE product you love most/which DE product you most want to try. Let me know in the comments!

So: let’s go! Time to talk about Drunk Elephant’s more affordable bundles – the student discount bundles, if you will…also known as “The Littles.” I won’t be talking about which is best for which skin type, because Drunk Elephant prides itself on their whole line working for all skin types (thanks to eradicating their Suspicious 6). I will talk about which products I like the most – & why – if my skin didn’t like it, I’ll say so, but it’s hard for me to say “don’t try that [DE product]” because everyone’s skin is different, & all DE products are suitable for all skin types.

All of The Littles™ – mini products but major effectsThe highlighter pens I dreamed of owning as a high school student – except now, they’re in skin care form…& they’re mine!

Full disclosure – I was sent this bundle of minis or “Littles” by Drunk Elephant, but was not paid to write this review or post any photos. I keep it as honest as possible (if you’ve seen my posts of Glossier products, you’ll know that I keep it real – if I don’t like it, I say so) but Drunk Elephant truly is a brand I adore. I’ve been using their products since the begining of 2017 & have paid for every single one up until now – my monthly favorites can prove it, too. I hope I don’t come off as defensive; I just want to make sure every reader knows the context of this review.

Okay! On to the goods.

Baby Juju™ + Baby Pekee™️ Travel Duo<<
lieve me when I say: both these cleansers are little bars of soap, very hard & dense in texture, but gentle & soft as a cloud on the skin, accompanied by a pleasing lather.

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e funny thing about both of these bars? They're not really "soap." In fact, both are "are totally free of fragrance and soap and are formulated with skin-friendly ingredients designed to cleanse and soothe the skin. Both have an ideal pH-level of 6.3, to ensure sufficient cleansing without drying or stripping the skin of its protective barrier."

I'm a big fan of non-foaming cleansers/gels; it's why I like Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser so much. I was a bit curious on how these would act. Would they pull through with the claim that the bars' cleansing properties would balance the skin's oils without stripping the skin of everything good? I was a bit nervous – I really never had used a bar cleanser for my face…unless we're counting those few ugly times I forgot a facewash in a few random hotels & had to use their little bars of soap as my cleanser. Moving on…

Of course, both of these bars can be used by themselves, but the purpose of this duo is to provide a good morning cleanser & a good night cleanser.

The JuJu Bar™ is meant to be used in the morning. It has physical exfoliants, like thermal mud and bamboo powder, which brightens, balances, clarifies, & retexturizes. It’s the cobblestone-colored bar – the white one is the Pekee Bar.

Like all Drunk Elephant products, neither of these little bars have any synthetic fragrance. I couldn’t detect even a hint of fragrance in either of the cleansers, so if you’re sensitive to scented products in general (even naturally-scented ones) these are both great cleansing options.

The top of the packaging says “cleanse + exfoliate” – hence, the physical exfoliants packed within this tiny bar.

I was nervous that the physical exfoliants of Juju would tear up my skin – nope! The particles are miniscule. I run the bar under some warm water, work up a lather between my palms, then gentle swirl the lather across my face in small circles. The lather is extremely creamy, which I love; right away, it’s obvious that Juju will not dry out the skin – in fact, I’d say it hydrates! I can feel the bamboo powder & mud particles travelling across my face, but it’s not harsh; it hasn’t caused any extra breakouts – or extra dryness. Less like sugar or salt crystals; more like very fine sand at an expensive beach. A brightening, physical exfoliating cleanser that somehow manages to keep the skin in balance. What a product – & what a suprise for me, the biggest hater of physical exfolianting cleansers out there!

The Pekee™ Bar is meant to be used at night. When I glanced quickly at the top of the wrapped Pekee Bar, I saw the words “clarify + balance” – two of my favorite words when it comes to describing skin care.

I love brightening products, but my dry, sensitive skin makes it difficult to truly brighten my skin without it feeling as though my skin is literally cracking with dehydration – & that’s where the Pekee™ Bar comes in. It’s infused with rich, hydrating ingredients, like marula oil, blueberry extract, & honey. These are all incredibly nourishing & hydrating – they’re also “antioxidants” so the combination of these three key ingredients results in a hydrating yet clarifying bar. Long-term, it claims to fade dark spots/reduce texture. Short-term, it’s brightened my complexion but kept my skin’s hydration barrier intact. I don’t know if I would leave it for my beloved Milky Jelly, but I think it’s a great thing to have on hand. Pekee behaves the same way the Juju does – except it has only lather, no tiny exfoliating particles. After patting my face dry, I feel extraordinarily hydrated; much more so than I would normally feel after using a foaming cleanser from another brand. Also, like Juju, Pekee is fragrance-free, as well as cruelty-free, paraben-free, & vegan.

So – which would I choose, & why?

A few days ago, I might’ve said Pekee; it contains everything that my skin already loves. But – it gets redundant when I start mentioning every single gentle hydrating cleanser. Pekee? It’s great, no doubt about that. But Juju is the one that stole my heart. That’s just because I don’t just like how it feels on my face – I love how it feels on my face. It’s really been brightening & tightening my complexion, while keeping it clear & soft. No micro-abrasions, no irritation from the exfoliants. I’ve used this both morning & evening; I’ve used it just in the morning or evening, & also used it two times in one day (one time for each routine). Although Juju is “intended” to be used in the morning (especially if you’re going to purchase the mini duo) I’ve that found it works beautifully, no matter the time of day (or night).

I can’t predict how long these cleansers will last – I don’t think I’ll be using them every single day…I just like my Milky Jelly Cleanser most of all. I will say that they seem to get a good amount of use, even if they’re being used every day, twice a day. The duo is $18; for a full-size bar (of either) it’s $28. That’s not bad at all. If these minis last as long as some of the reviews claim – I’ve seen at least three saying they’ve lasted more than a month & a half – I think it’s absolutely worth it to buy a full-size if you’re only interested in one. Or…buy the little duo & see which works for you best before forking over a little extra money for the larger, single bar.

I can definitely see myself purchasing the full-size of the Juju™ Bar. It’s been good for my skin, it will last long since it’s a bar product, & it’s very travel-friendly; no stressing about special TSA travel vials. Out of the two, I’d pick Juju. Sorry you had to hear that about ten times…but I really do like it!

As a whole, though, I was pleasantly surprised with how gentle & effective both of these cleansing bars are. I’d say it’s definitely worth $18 – probably worth $28, too, if you’re considering buying one of the full-sized ones.

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right – it's time for the real Littles! These are the ones you’ll see as duos, at Sephora & on Drunk Elephant’s site – the Rise + Glow, The NightBright™, etc. You can also purchase all of them at once by buying The Littles™ bundle.

I don’t think it’s necessary to own every single one of these products; there are some that have been amazing & others that I just haven’t cared for as much. I decided to talk about each product separately as though it were the full size version, because pairing them up in duos would take too much time – & cause too much confusion. Maybe…read this first, then check out duos, & see which one seems to suit you best (if any do at all).

Oh – & how long does each little last? According to Drunk Elephant: “about 45 days.” I’d say that’s worth it! You get enough time to get acquainted with the product, but not so much that if you truly hate it you’d be throwing away $60+. Like I said – The Littles are a great way to try out Drunk Elephant products, even if you’re on a budget. There’s aboslutely no difference between The Littles & the full sized products – texture is the same, effects are the same, results are the same. They’re just different sizes, that’s all! Okay. Let’s go!

C-Firma™ Day Serum

Yes – it’s a day serum, but there aren’t really any rules. You can use this serum at night if you choose – & don’t worry if you already are – but there are some specific benefits for using C-Firma in your morning routine. Described as a “super potent vitamin C day serum,” C-Firma is a combo of an antioxidant complex, fruit enzymes, & essential nutrients – & a chronopeptide, which is what makes this serum so good for the day time. It works up to 72 hours, provides the benefits that Vitamin D would (so hello, extra dose of healthy sun exposure!) & even if you wash your face, C-Firma will keep doing its job until those 72 hours are over.

I have tried to incorporate this into my routine several times, but it just isn’t the one for me. For whatever reason, the serum feels a bit too heavy/sticky on my face during the day, & it felt tacky even after I put a moisturizer over top. That made applying makeup a lot more difficult, needless to say. & no – I don’t wear makeup every day, but it was just another reason for me to realize: I don’t really need this.

I did notice some brightening for sure, as well as tightened pores. My skin looked a bit smoother, thanks to the 15% potent antioxidant complex of l-ascorbic and ferulic acids C-Firma contains – they act as chemical exfoliants. There really wasn’t a problem while applying the serum…the not-so-enjoyable parts came later. By “not-so-enjoyable,” I mean that it felt too heavy on my skin & though I don’t believe it made me break out, it just didn’t work as well for me as I’d hoped it would.

Some people say they love the product but hate the scent; it’s sort of smoky; hard to describe – but no, it’s not artificial. The scent will linger, though so be careful if you’re sensitive to scents, even if they’re natural.

I ended up giving this product to my mama to see how she liked it – & she loves it. She follows that up with Marula Oil (get to that soon) & now says “I’m so firm!” when talking about her skin. She’s also said her skin has been clearer; less congestion, less breaking out. Drunk Elephant got her excited; I feel like she’s the biggest C-Firma fan out there now.

How does she use it? She’ll use it all over the face, but on more sensitive days she just pats some on darker spots/sun damage, which she says is helping them fade. This has “day serum” in the title, after all, so she applies it after cleaning/toning, & before moisturizing.

Sorry, C-Firma – it’s not you, it’s me! Everyone around me – even my mother – who’s tried it either likes or loves it. I don’t think it did anything special for my skin, but I’m not bitter. There are a lot of other Drunk Elephant products that did & still do something special for my skin, so it’s all good. Worth a try? Yes, sure! I think it probably works best on less sensitive, slightly more mature skin. Maybe I’m just too young for this one to really make a difference.

Be sure to wear a sunscreen while you’re using this product. It’s a chemical exfoliant, which increases your sensitivity to the sun, which can lead to a greater risk of skin cancer, if you’re not careful. Don’t panic if you haven’t been doing this – just find a good one & start today! Of course, you should be wearing one no matter what, but if you’re using this product, sunscreen is a must. No two ways about it. < strong>B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Gel <<
eight words: a cool splash of water for your face. Even Drunk Elephant says so, calling it “a cool drink of water for your skin” – & no, I didn’t look that description up before I wrote my own.

The descriptions are almost identical because it’s aboslutely true; this is something that feels cooling, even in 90-degree weather..but it’s not something that will give you literal chills in the colder weather. It’s extremely lightweight, extremely hydrating, & sinks in beautifully. It’s most defnitely a gel, but the way B-Hydra settles into your skin feels like a liquid serum. That’s how smooth it is!

Pro-vitamin B & pineapple ceramide hold in moisture, creating a barrier for your skin. You’ll feel hydrated all day. More moisture means brighter, plumper skin. I’d be confident in saying that B-Hydra does exactly that. Barberry extract has soothing properties, a watermelon rind/apple/lentil complex (or combo) ensures that your skin will be hydrated properly for up to 24 hours. Then, the fancy name “sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer” is what makes this product so lightweight; it’s how this gel turns into a lightweight spritz of water once it’s been swiped over your skin.

It might look a bit underwhelming, but B-Hydra is a good product. Although lightweight, those specific ingredients ensure that no moisture will be lost for dry skin. Meanwhile, the lightweight consistency will also appeal to those with oily/combo skin.

I don’t use it all over my face; I think that that would be a waste, since not every area of my face needs it. I focus it around my nose: that’s where I get the most redness & dryness. It works – morning & night, I use about half a pump of B-Hydra on that area & after a few moments, my skin has stopped burning or itching, & redness slowly begins to fade. It’s a product that looks underwhelming but does a lot of hard work. The color? A transparent white, similar to that of Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser. There’s no scent – don’t be scared!

The mini C-Firma & B-Hydra, which make up the Rise + Glow Duo ($23)

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lt; strong>Umbra™ Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 <<
you know me, you know that I really dislike physical sunscreens. Most of them feel greasy/tacky, which causes me to break out – & even on my very fair skin, I'll often get a white cast. They're hard for me to blend, I dislike the scent…I just don't like physical sunscreens, okay??

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unk Elephant won me over here. The Umbra Sheer was sent to me for the first time for me to try, & I skeptically swatched it on my hand. I twisted open the bottle (it has a cute little circular dispenser) & sure enough: there was the dreaded "white liquid." I put it up to my nose. Nothing. No scent. I already felt encouraged – that, & the fact that it felt so light on my hand, even when I hadn't yet blended it in.

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ce I started blending it in, magic really started to happen. No stickiness, no grease, no tacky consistency – just this incredibly lightweight, hydrating cream that gave a bit of…luminescence? <<
at's right – the best way I could describe this sunscreen is: an extremely lightweight physical sunscreen with no scent that also happens to act as an illuminating primer. It's as though someone dropped a little bit of liquid highlight into a tub of this sunscreen. I tried it under makeup, using it as a primer, & I really liked it. It looks & feels good on its own, too. It's light, it hasn't broken me out, & it doubles as a magically glowing primer. I'll take ten, please.

Framboos: one of Drunk Elephant's priciest products…&, maddeningly, one of my favorites. I first purchased it in the NightBright Duo, figuring that I should get a cheaper version before fully committing myself. Within a week, I knew I'd be committing. By the time the tiny vial of Framboos was finished, I had a squeaky-clean full size version waiting for me. I can't say enough good things about this serum. Exfoliating? Check. Clarifying? Check. Brightening? Check.

It's not surprising I love this serum so much – it contains a special AHA/BHA blend. My skin loves product containing both AHA &/or BHA; Framboos has both. This blend is made up of glycolic acid (hence the name). lactic acid (another great exfoliant that my skin loves), tartaric acid, citric acid, & salicylic acid. All of these are whipped up with raspberry extract – which, by the way, is why this product has the name that it does: "framboos" is "raspberry" in German.

The night I tried it, I worried about potential tingling/burning, as well as dryness. I took special care to hydrate my skin after I applied the serum, but I already knew it was going to be a good one.

This serum is transparent & has a gel-like consistency. It's extremely concentrated – I only need one pump for my whole face – but doesn't strip my skin of its moisture. The opposite, in fact. If I apply Framboos then properly hydrate my skin, I always wake up looking softer, brighter, & smoother. Tingly? Yes, a little – but not for more than a few seconds. It sinks in quite fast. It has a bit of a tacky consistency, even after it's absorbed, but it doesn't pill off when applying moisturizer over top, & the tackiness fades as the moisturizer begins to sink in.

This is hands-down one of my favorite Drunk Elephant products. I use one pump every night before bed – after toning, before applying cream. The serum is very concentrated; very dense – yet somehow, it's lightweight enough that it can be easily blended out all over the face. That's why I need only one pump for it to work.

I try to avoid my extra dry areas (under the nose, mostly) & I won't use it on an open cut/abrasion, because you should never do that with any kind of acidic serum – ever! By applying it to my cheeks, forehead, top of the nose, & chin, I'm balancing out the areas of my skin that truly do need that exfoliation & clarification; I'm also preventing my dry areas from getting worse. I won't lie – if you have dry skin & don't properly hydrate after using this, your skin may suffer. However, if you go in knowing this, it is absolutely 100% worth it. Your wallet may cry, but your skin will thank you. This is on my permanent repurchase list.

Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil<<
is is a Drunk Elephant cult-favorite – but surprisingly, it's not at the top of my list. Described as "rehab for your skin," this oil is packed with antioxidants & omegas 3 & 9. When combined into one little bottle, Virgin Marula blocks environmental stressors & free radicals, & reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, & redness. It also improves the skin's elasticity, which makes the skin feel more hydrated. Marula oil is appropriate for all skin types, so even if you're oily: don't worry, it won't hurt you.

Why's the Virgin Marula such a big deal?

Well, "virgin" means that it comes straight from the "pip" (seed) of the marula fruit. It's cold-pressed, which preserves all of the oil's nutrients & gives it a longer shelf life. It is 100% pure – there are no other essential oils or add-ons, which Drunk Elephant says would decrease the effectiveness of the product. Totally pure, "the way it is used by African women," which is where the marula oil is harvested.

There's nothing wrong with this product – it feels extremely luxurious, as the name would suggest, & it feels great when mixed in with a night cream. It’s also nice to use after the Babyfacial – it helps calm the skin, seal in moisture, works overnight to plump & hydrate the skin.

So – is it good? Yes. Would I personally purchase the full size? No. I don’t use enough facial oils to justify purchasing a full-size vial, but I can appreciate the smooth, luxurious feel of the product.

Virgin Marula works nicely on my young adult skin – I think it’d work even better on more mature skin, simply because it contains so many hydrating ingredients & is so highly concentrated. I always enjoy using it when buying a mini size if I want the NighBright duo, but it’s not something that’s a staple in my routine – still, as with most Drunk Elephant products, it’s worth a go. Your skin may fall head over heels for it. Mine isn’t exactly committed, but I wouldn’t kick this facial oil out of bed, either. It’s fun to use when I’m in the mood for a little extra luxury in my routine!

Be sure to wear a sunscreen while you’re using this product. It’s a chemical exfoliant, which increases your sensitivity to the sun, which can lead to a greater risk of skin cancer, if you’re not careful. Don’t panic if you haven’t been doing this – just find a good one & start today! Of course, you should be wearing one no matter what, but if you’re using this product, sunscreen is a must. No two ways about it.

The mini Framboos & Virgin Marula – these two buddies make up the NightBright Duo (a good investment, & only $28 (with a $45 value)

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lt; strong>Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream< img class=”alignnone wp-image-13387″ src=”https://sofhoney.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_4515-1.jpeg&#8221; alt=”IMG_4515-1″ width=”3096″ height=”2320″><<
ve been hearing a lot about this product for ages, mostly because I was so intrigued by the packaging – it has an air-tight "pump" – or, a dispenser that hands you product without having to stick your fingers in a jar. It's a great bonus for those who try to keep their skin care products as clean as possible.

The little jar I received is not air-tight; you have to get the full size for that. That didn’t mean I wasn’t excited to finally try it, though.

Why “retro?” Drunk Elephant says that it has all the old-timer benefits – “the luxurious texture of your grandmother’s face cream” that won’t suffocate the skin. It’s not greasy; it’s incredibly hydrating yet lightweight. You’ll be shocked by this (sarcasm) but it is also fragrance-free.

The “whipped formulation” is what keeps the cream so lightweight – yet so hydrating. Lala Retro has a blend of six rare African oils that lock in moisture for hours on end; plantain extract plumps up the skin & increases elasticity (like Virgin Marula) & will also brighten the skin. It contains sodium hyaluronate, too – just like B-Hydra! It works in the same way: the cream will sink in quickly & easily, but the hydration doesn’t disappear. In fact, it’s the opposite – sodium hyaluronate releases long-lasting hydration for hours at a time. It also contains fermented green tea, which is rich in antioxidants & has anti-aging/anti-inflammatory properties. To top it off, the omega acids brighten dull. dry skin while providing a punch of moisture.

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re's the hard part: loving this so much, but knowing that it's more expensive than a moisturizer I already own & love (Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich). I use that religiously every single night. This one is significantly higher in price – up about $20 or so. That does make me pause. My face needs hydration, so I go through more cream – especially during the winter – faster than someone with normal or oily skin might. So…I love this cream. I love it a lot. I’m going to have to use up the jar & save a little bit if I want to invest in the full size, as well as deliberate & go back & forth with myself about how good this stuff has been for my skin.

In the larger packaging, the cream would have the built-in dispenser. Again, as you can see, that’s not the case with my mini version. Not a problem! I just scoop it out of the jar with my little NIOD Stainless Steel Spoon that I use with any other cream I own that doesn’t have an air-tight dispenser. Side note: this spoon is only $4, is eco-friendly (I just wipe it down with alcohol after using) & will keep your product clean.

Anyway. Lala Retro. I fell hard & fast here. The texture of the cream (as you can see in the photos) is light, whipped, airy…all that good stuff. It looked lightweight. It was lightweight, but it also felt like an extremely rich night cream or hydrating mask; once I scooped out a little of the cream & put it on the back of my hand, I could see the thick, rich consistency it was as though I had buttercream frosting on my hand.

Okay, so that might throw people off – no one really wants buttercream on their face. Not to worry; Lala Retro has your back & mine. When first applying it to my face, I could feel the rich thick texture. I massaged in the cream & within a few minutes, my skin felt softer – but it wasn’t sticky or greasy. I don’t know how to describe this cream other than: it feels rich & luxurious, it has no scent, & though it’s packed with good, natural things, it doesn’t overwhelm the skin. I’ve tried this for the day & night; it works as both, though it might be a little much for oily skin – I can’t say for sure.

But. The price tag. I am very happy with my Glossier PMR & I don't believe this cream is a necessity for me personally, though it feels incredible & continues to tempt me (I'll probably end up buying it at some point, let's be honest). That doesn't mean I don't like it – if this is in your budget, go for it. Use nothing but it. Love it. I sure do.

T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ Mini (VERY Limited Edition)<<
ll – Drunk Elephant wasn't lying when they called this "VERY Limited Edition" – because it's sold out on both Sephora's site & Drunk Elephant's site. I'm not surprised. Babyfacial is one of the most hyped products online, but it's expensive – not everyone can get it. People were screaming in the streets when Drunk Elephant dropped a $25 mini of the Babyfacial, which contained a .5 fluid oz. Babyfacial & a "little" size Virgin Marula. Well, no, they weren't screaming. At least – not out loud.

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he mini Babyfacial is gone, but you can get either the full-size, get a sample from your local Sephora, or buy The Littles kit if you're curious about more than 2 or 3 of the products I've talked about. No matter what, Babyfacial is good & it’s worth talking about – so let me talk about it for the 100th time.

What is it? It’s “a pro-quality AHA/BHA ‘facial’ that resurfaces to reveal greater clarity, improved skin texture and tone and a more youthful radiance,” according to Drunk Elephant. It was the first “chemical” (chemical doesn’t necessarily mean artificial; it definitely doesn’t mean that in this case) exfoliant I’d ever tried, & it set the bar very high for me. I got a little sample from Sephora, & after seeing how soft & smooth my skin was…overnight, no less, I scrounged together my money & a small balance on a leftover Sephora gift card. I bought it in February 2017, & it is still yet to be finished. Needless to say: it’s worth it.

I was drawn into this product because of the packaging, to be honest. It’s pretty! The delicate #millennialpink top contrasts with the body of the packaging, which is a funny little white, tubby, & air-tight container.

This “facial” or “masque” is intended to be used twice a week at most – that’s because it has a high concentration of AHA (25%!!!) & BHA (2%). This makes your skin more sun-sensitive, just like C-Firma & Framboos, so be sure you’re constantly wearing sunscreen during the day.

ngredients? Babyfacial contains the same blend that the Framboos serum does: the signature AHA + BHA blend, which contains glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric and salicylic acids. The texture of Babyfacial is a bit goopy, sticky, & a tan color – all because of the chick pea flour, which was used in place of clay. Chick pea flour is brightening, exfoliating, & balancing, but it's less drying than clay. Niacinamide tightens pores & reduces redness while matcha tea, apple fruit and milk thistle soothe the skin. The result? Glowing, smooth, soft skin. Soft as…a baby's.

I like what Drunk Elephant put on their page about Babyfacial: "Glycolic acids get a bad rap for being sensitizing, but we believe that the pH level and accompanying ingredients (think fragrant oils or high amounts of alcohol) can often be the real problem. We formulated Babyfacial™ at the ideal pH level of 3.5 – 3.6 with a blend of acids that work together synergistically to ensure higher efficacy without the redness and sensitization."

It's true: I was very nervous about using exfoliants/acids before trying Babyfacial. The only reason I did was that I had another friend – also with sensitive skin – who'd tried it before me. Reassured, I got a sample, & smeared the tacky stuff all over my face. Tingly? Yes. Absolutely. If you don't like a tingly/burning sensation, I would hold off on getting this. It'll take about a minute for your skin to adjust to the sensation. It didn't hurt my skin at all – I had no rash, extra sensitivity, or any other ailment after washing it off for the first time, & it continues to be this way. I don't believe it'll hurt your skin – just be careful, as you should be with all acids/exfoliants. & wear sunscreen! Also: start with a short time period & build up to the suggested 20 minutes; this is especially helpful/important if you’re sensitive, like me.

Out of all the Drunk Elephant products, this is the one I think has the most bang for its buck. Like I said, I bought this in February 2017 – it’s November now, & I’m not close to running out. I only use it once a week (because I don’t want to overwhelm my skin) but even if I used it twice, I don’t believe it would run out extra fast. Even better: it comes with a teeny vial of the Virgin Marula – a great opportunity to invest in one product & test out another that may be beneficial.

Lippe Balm <<
ll, here we go: a good old lip balm. This one is $18; less than Dior, more than Baby Lips/Balm Dotcom. This comes in funny, tubby packaging, similar to the Babyfacial. The product claims to " help nourish super-delicate lips for a noticeably plump, youthful-looking pout." It also is supposed to enhance your lip line; it's not a plumping balm (by that I mean that it doesn't burn) but by supposedly making the outer lines of your lips more noticeable, your mouth looks larger.

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m not particularly interested in getting bigger lips, but I was curious to give it a go & see what it truly did. I knew that no matter what, it wouldn't be extreme, & it most certainly wouldn't be permanent.

The main hydrating bases of the Lippe Balm are avocado, mongongo, cranberry and marula oils – all incredibly hydrating, even for sensitive lips. Peptides and sea fern algae work as moisture locks, continuing to plump & hydrate the lips. Finally, antioxidant-rich green tea leaf and Vitamin C brighten & exfoliate the lips, while neutralizing free-radicals. Sounds fancy – so what does it feel like?

To me, it feels very similar to a Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment. It's just a bit "fatter" – the stick of balm twists up, & while it's small, the circumference of the stick of balm itself is very wide. I'd say that while it looks small, you're getting a good amount of product.

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for effectiveness, I can't say that the Lippe Balm does absolutely everything it claims to do. It feels like a nice, hydrating lip balm, & it most definitely helps define the lip line (after a few days of use) – but I can't say in good faith that it'll plump your lips. My lips feel smooth with the balm on, & it fades without parching my lips. It’s not bad, but it’s not the first Drunk Elephant product I’d recommend to a friend (or stranger). Yes – it will make your lips look more defined, thanks to the enhancement of the outer lip line. Because of that, I think it provides an illusion; almost a lip liner effect without the lip liner. It’s an interesting product for sure – just make sure you know what it does before investing. Still, I say this for all skin care!

&…that’s all, folks! If you haven’t given Drunk Elephant a try, maybe this will give you some motivation to do so. If you have, I’d love to hear about your favorite products – I personally pick the Framboos serum & the Babyfacial; they’re the most unique. Coming in at a close second is the Juju Bar & Umbra Sheer – both are products I hadn’t tried previously, & both are excellent. I’m definitely considering purchasing full size versions of both of those products at some point, when my littles run out.

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ke I mentioned when opening, I wouldn't ever say anything from Drunk Elephant is bad. Some products are definitely better than others, but that’s the case with every brand. For Drunk Elephant in particular, I’d say that if I had to toss one product, it’d be the Lippe Balm – we all know that you can get a good balm for cheaper. Still, though: that doesn’t negate all of the positive qualities of Drunk Elephant’s brand or products. They’re good for all skin types, they really do work (truly!) & while your wallet might cry, maybe I’ve convinced you that some of these products are worth the splurge.

At the end of the day, expensive skin care (or makeup) isn’t always the best. Drunk Elephant is another story. I would definitely say their products hold their own – as they should. I’m of the firm belief that if you have the money to invest in a good product, it had better deliver – & Drunk Elephant delivers.

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ew! That's all, folks! Thanks for sticking with me, if you're reading this at the bottom. I hope my opinions/experience with Drunk Elephant products gave you some inspiration to treat yourself & your own – I was quite cautious of Drunk Elephant from the beginning because of how powerful they claimed their products were.

They definitely weren't wrong on that. The products are powerful, but I’ve come to realize that “powerful” & “sensitive” have to be mutually exclusive. If you do your research & try out some things, your skin might very well end up better than before – one of those life-changing skin care products. You know the feeling!

So – what are my old favorites/what would I recommend first off the top of my head?

Babyfacial. This is an amazing product for any skin type. You will not regret the purchase, & it’ll last you for ages

Framboos. I’ve tried to find a clarifying serum that didn’t dry me out; Framboos came along & saved my life. My skin’s been glowier & healthier since I started using it.

These are both 10/10 on my list. Again – these are products I’d recommend to any person with any skin type. They’re unique; they work for all skin types, they work quickly, & they work effectively.

New favorites?

Juju Bar. I really like the exfoliation the Juju Bar has been giving me. I’ve been using it as a night cleanser for quite some time now; I believe my skin has gotten clearer because of it.

Lala Retro. This cream has a unique texture & sensation. I find it to be similar to some products, but the lightweight effect it manages to pull of for both oily & dry skin is what really makes it unique. This is something I’d feel comfortable recommending to anyone. It’s cute, it’s fun, & it feels incredibly expensive. What’s better?

What else to say? Hashtag Drunk In Love? Not sure. Is that a good way to close this? Oh! 20% off Drunk Elephant here. What an incredible outro.

Seriously, though: thank you, Drunk Elephant! It was unbelievably exciting to get such a lovely care package from a brand I already love.

Tell me what your top Drunk Elephant picks are, if you’ve tried any of their products. If you haven’t, I’d love to know what you’d think about picking up first!